The Denmark study focused on central nervous system side effects from Lariam and two other antimalarial drugs, finding that:

“…symptoms related to the central nervous system are more prevalent in mefloquine users and when symptoms develop, they are perceived as more severe.” (E Peterson et al., Journal of Travel Medicine, March 2000; 7:79-84)

CDC changes advice, manufacturer revises Lariam information

Recent action by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Lariam’s manufacturer flags the importance of these five new research studies.

On February 1, 2001 the CDC changed the advice it gives travelers about the drugs recommended for malaria prevention: “Alternatives for travelers who cannot or choose not to take mefloquine include doxycycline or Malarone(TM).” Previously Lariam was the CDC’s “drug of choice” for malaria prevention.

a more extensive listing of reported physical and neuropsychiatric adverse events,

first-time warnings of reports of central and peripheral nervous system disorders (e.g. loss of balance and other balance-related problems),

an entire new section of information for patients, and

new cautions about prescribing Lariam for children.

Furthermore, the PI acknowledges for the first time that “because of the long half-life of mefloquine, adverse reactions to Lariam may occur or persist up to several weeks after the last dose.” It was previously thought that Lariam’s side effects could only occur during the course of treatment or immediately thereafter. The manufacturer has not yet defined the exact duration of “several weeks.” Accumulating anecdotal evidence indicates that symptoms of Lariam toxicity can persist for years after the drug is discontinued.

Roche did not issue a “Dear Doctor” letter when the company revamped the Lariam PI. Without an official alert, physicians are likely to miss the changes. Roche similarly delayed notifying physicians of reports of serious depression and suicide involving its acne drug Accutane (a registered trademark). (Lariam can also cause depression and suicide). Only after Congressional pressure from Michigan Congressman Bart Stupak did Roche send a Dear Doctor letter about Accutane. The Congressman’s son BJ committed suicide while being treated with the acne drug.

Inadequate warnings about Lariam’s possible dangers

Most patients receive inadequate warnings about Lariam’s side effects. Product Information sheets are written for doctors. The only warnings the patient may receive will come from the prescribing physician and/or the pharmacy that fills the prescription. US health officials seriously underestimate the severity of Lariam’s side effects.

Lariam Action USA

Lariam Action USA is an information and support service. Travelers need to know ALL the risks and benefits of any antimalarial drug BEFORE they can make an informed decision about which one to take. More than 1,000 people have voluntarily reported significant Lariam side effects to us since 1997. There are Lariam interest groups in the US, UK, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. New groups are expected soon in Australia and France.

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Disclaimer: The information about mefloquine (Lariam) on this website is provided as a public service and is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you need advice about the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of health problems, please see a physician. If you have legal questions, please see a lawyer. For more information, contact Mefloquine (Lariam) Action.